Supporting Ontario VQA Wineries Since 1974
Who We Are
Our mission is to champion and advocate for the growth and success of
Ontario VQA wine producers.
As a non-profit trade association, Ontario Craft Wineries represents over 100 wineries from across the three designated viticultural areas of Niagara, Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore – including Pelee Island, as well as emerging wine-producing regions such as Ontario’s South Coast and Georgian Bay/Grey County.
Our Strategic Priorities
Advocate
- For the financial stability of our members.
- For a regulatory and public policy framework that supports the growth of Ontario’s VQA wine industry and attracts new capital into the sector.
- For sustainable grape growing and stewardship of Ontario’s wine country.
Promote
- Direct and influence innovative marketing that drives consumers to choose Ontario VQA wines.
- Educate and engage with our members and industry stakeholders.
Collaborate
- Seek common ground with industry stakeholders.
- Be the trusted voice for Ontario’s VQA wine producers.
Join our community of VQA Wineries in Ontario
Our Membership Fees for winery members are based on annual production, tonnage, and percentage of sales/gallons sold. Membership benefits include invitations to participate in meetings, communications on relevant industry information, discounts on events, support on industry or government matters, access to industry education through seminars and webinars, legal guidance, and shipping discounts.
OCW Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for the development and oversight of the strategic direction and responsible management of the Ontario Craft Wineries through its own work and that of its committees.
Board members are expected to attend as representatives of the OCW at important functions throughout the year, including government meetings and receptions, stakeholder meetings and major industry events.
Chair: Carolyn Hurst, Westcott Vineyards
Vice-Chair: Norm Beal, Peninsula Ridge Winery
Dan Sullivan, Rosehall Run Vineyards
Allan Schmidt, Vineland Estates Winery
Paul Speck, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery
Daniel Lafleur, Tawse Winery
Harald Thiel, Hidden Bench Estate Winery
Ed Madronich, Flat Rock Cellars
Ilya Senchuk, Leaning Post Wines
Steve Mitchell, Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
Suzanne Janke, Stratus Vineyards
Faik Turkmen, Lailey Winery
Len Pennachetti, Cave Spring Vineyard
Erin MacInnis, Closson Chase Vineyards
OCW Committees & Appointments
In addition to the Board of Directors, our members actively participate in a variety of boards and committees to support the health of the Ontario VQA wine industry, including:
- Executive Committee
- Wine Marketing Association of Ontario Board
- VQA Marketing Committee – Wine Marketing Association of Ontario
- Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Committee
- Ontario Craft Wine Conference Committee
- Audit Committee
- Nominating Committee
- Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc
- Grapes for Processing Industry Advisory Committee
- Negotiating Agency
- Niagara Grape and Wine Festival
- CCOVI Advisory Council
Our History
Since 1974, our association has shaped the wine industry in Ontario.
- The Wine Council of Ontario was incorporated with 8 members in 1974.
- The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) of Ontario act is created to set out geographic appellations and introduce strict production standards.
- The Cool Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is established at Brock University.
- WCO successfully advocates to have 100% Canadian wine exempt from federal excise taxes.
- Sustainabile Winemaking Ontario certification program is incorporated as a way to acknowledge and recognize environmentally friendly wineries and vineyards in Ontario.
- A Friend of the Greenbelt Award for the significant economic contributions the Ontario wine industry brings to the Greenbelt.
- WCO and Winery Grower Alliance of Ontario jointly form the Wine Marketing Association to execute the Ontario government wine industry marketing program for Ontario VQA wines.
- Wine Council of Ontario is rebranded to Ontario Craft Wineries in 2018.
Collaborating with industry partners to help you thrive.
Our association with these critical partners ensures your interests are protected.
We guide policy and shape the future of Ontario’s wine regions, keeping the interests of Ontario VQA wineries at the forefront of our efforts.
Our vision is to ensure that Ontario is recognized as one of the world’s premiere wine regions. We provide a leading voice for over 100 small and medium-sized VQA winery members across Ontario.
Appellation authority
The trusted independent authority on Ontario wine appellations – accountable to the Minister of Government and Consumer Services – it exercises delegated authority to administer and enforce the VQA Act.
Wine Marketing
Ontario’s Wine Industry Marketing Program is administered and executed by the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario and is critical to our winery members. As an equal (50%) partner in WMAO, the OCW represents our members’ interest in program planning and delivery.
Grape Production
Representing over 500 grape growers of 17,000 acres of vineyards in Ontario who produce grapes for processing, GGO provides information for growers, the general public, media, and winery partners, as well as negotiates prices for all grapes sold to processors.
